Bolt said: "I wasn't ready for that… [it] was a little bit scary. I was screaming a little bit."

Hamilton wanted to scare Bolt "to death." Getty Images Hamilton started the United States Grand Prix from pole position and maintained his advantage to finish 10.143 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Sebastian Vettel.

When Bolt interviewed Hamilton after the race, he said: "What a beautiful day. I love this track and I think it is now my favourite."

Hamilton's victory means that he will win a fourth Formula 1 world title providing he finishes in the top five at the next Grand Prix in Mexico City on October 29.